Illinois, Ohio commissions advance crossing projects

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved an appropriation of $12 million from the state's Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) to help fund the construction of a grade separation in Round Lake Beach.

The $66 million cost to build a new bridge, along with associated highway improvements, will be shared by Lake County, the village of Round Lake, the Illinois Department of Transportation and CN/Wisconsin Central. 

The grade separation will replace an existing Rollins Road bridge crossing CN/Wisconsin Central's track. During construction, a temporary grade crossing with signals will be built south of the existing crossing to carry Rollins Road vehicular traffic over the rail line on a temporary basis.
 
The ICC expects to let bids for the project in spring 2014. Work is slated for completion by Dec. 31, 2014.

The ICC also approved the allocation of $482,443 from the GCPF for public safety improvements at a BNSF Railway Co. crossing near Camp Point. The project involves the installation of flashing light signals and gates, controlled by constant warning timed circuitry, improvements to the existing approaches and the addition of temporary stop signs.

The state funds will cover 95 percent of the project's cost, which is estimated at $504,051. BNSF will pay the remainder of the installation costs and maintain the crossing.

In addition, the ICC approved plans to build a new crossing and rail spur in Coal City. Inland Logistics Port Coal City L.L.C. filed a petition with the commission in May seeking authority to construct a spur off a Union Pacific Railroad line and a crossing to accommodate rail-truck transload operations in an industrial park.

Inland Logistics will pay for and install the spur off UP's track, as well as install automatic flashing light signals and gates at the crossing, and improve approaches and a crossing surface.

Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has approved plans for various work at three crossings.

CSX Transportation will install permanent guardrails at the north and south sides of Windham Road crossing in Newton Falls, with work slated for completion by year's end. In addition, CSX will install a two-gate system at the Holland Road crossing in Brook Park, then complete a four-gate system at the crossing by March 31, 2014.

Ohio Central Railroad Inc. will downgrade and remove all warning devices at the Chestnut Street crossing in Coshocton.